Recreation, Sport & Tourism PhD
Prepare for a career in higher education, public agencies, private organizations and other research-focused positions with our Doctor of Philosophy degree.
Examine the history and theory of leisure, investigate current issues in the field and specialize in an area, culminating in a dissertation on a relevant topic. Work with our highly regarded faculty as you discover the topics in recreation, sport, and/or tourism that spark your passion. Craft a dissertation that examines relevant research and offers a creative new viewpoint.
The Doctor of Philosophy is a research-oriented degree that prepares successful candidates for positions in higher education, private organizations, public agencies, and other research-based positions. During their doctoral program, students complete course work, written and oral preliminary examinations, and a dissertation in an area of specialization.
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One of the top doctoral programs in the nation
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Competitive assistantships, fellowships, and full tuition and fee waivers available
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Nationally and internationally recognized faculty
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Cutting-edge interdisciplinary curriculum integrating recreation, sport, and tourism
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Large, land-grant university offers opportunity to take courses from a variety of disciplines and study with top scholars and leaders in the field
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Financial support available to help fund research and outreach projects via internal grants and awards
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Conference travel support available
Emphasis Areas
Leisure Behavior
Recreation & Park Management
Sport Management
Tourism Management
Curriculum
PHD Coursework
For more information contact the Ph.D. advisor or reference the university catalog.
| Code | Course |
|---|---|
| RST 550 |
RST 550 - Theory and Methods of Leisure
Hours: 4 |
| RST 551 |
RST 551 - Contemporary Issues in Leisure
Hours: 4 |
| RST 553 |
RST 553 - Advanced Leisure Research Methods
Hours: 4 |
| RST 590 |
RST 590 - Doctoral Research Seminar and Colloquium
Hours: 4 |
| RST 599 |
RST 599 - Thesis Research
Hours: 20 |
Total Hours: 80
Specialization Requirements
- Coursework to support specialization - 28 hours (12 of the 28 hours must be RST courses)
- Advanced research methods to support specialization - 16 hours
Thesis Requirements
RST 599 – Thesis Research - 20 hours
Total units (minimum): 80 credit hours
Graduate Student Teaching Preparation Program
In addition to the above coursework, students are encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their teaching skills by attending teaching workshops and taking RST 560 or an equivalent teaching preparation course (all potential substitutes must be approved by the Graduate Committee). RST 560 may be counted toward the 12 hours of “Departmental Coursework to Support Specialization” requirement.
Progress Reports
Every doctoral student will be required to submit a progress report once a year. The reports will have to be submitted to the department, not the individual advisors, by May 31 of each year (or as soon as grades are available).
Course Description
RST 550: THEORY AND METHODS OF LEISURE
Surveys concepts, methods, and problems of leisure research that are common to recreation, sport and tourism; histories of theoretical and methodological developments are discussed, appreciated and critiqued; examines the development of ideas through literature, with discussion centered on explaining the evolution of literature.
RST 551: CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LEISURE
Critically surveys research from neighboring disciplines to determine how this research may inform and influence future research in recreation, sport and tourism; provides a comparative perspective, including the discovery of alternative theories to guide our research; examines links between distinct phenomena that can potentially lead to creative research (Prerequisite is 550).
RST Graduate Handbook
Click here to access the RST Graduate Handbook.
Apply Now
To apply for a graduate degree program in the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, please visit our Apply Now page.
Request more information
- Dr. Monika Stodolska
- Director of Graduate Studies
- stodolsk@illinois.edu
- (217) 333-4410
Admission Requirements
Please follow the link below for information regarding graduate student admissions requirements.